Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

12-Day Comprehensive Japan Journey: Tokyo to Kyoto and Beyond

Viewed by 81 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on June 29, 2025

10:30am

Arrival at Narita/Haneda Airport

Arrive in Tokyo and transfer to your hotel. Settle in and prepare for the day.
JPY0, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tsukiji Outer Market

Enjoy fresh sushi and local seafood delicacies at this iconic market, open from 9am to 4pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple

Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple and stroll through Nakamise shopping street for souvenirs, open till 5pm.
JPY0, 2h

4:00pm

Walk along the Sumida River and visit Tokyo Skytree

Enjoy scenic views and visit Tokyo Skytree observation deck (open 8am-10pm).
JPY2100, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Dine at the famous izakaya that inspired Kill Bill, savoring traditional Japanese dishes. Open till 11pm.
JPY3500, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 2: Modern Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on June 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bills Omotesando

Enjoy a stylish breakfast featuring ricotta pancakes and fresh juices, open from 8am.
JPY1800, 1h

9:30am

Visit Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Experience a peaceful Shinto shrine nestled in a lush forested park, open 6am-5pm.
JPY0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch in Harajuku - Takeshita Street

Try trendy crepes and street food while shopping at the colorful Harajuku district.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Shibuya - Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

Witness the famous busy scramble crossing and visit the loyal dog statue.
JPY0, 1h

2:30pm

TeamLab Planets Tokyo

Enjoy immersive digital art exhibits open from 10am to 7pm, perfect for an afternoon wander.
JPY3200, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ichiran Ramen Shibuya

Relish customized tonkotsu ramen in a famous solo dining ramen chain, open till late.
JPY1000, 1h
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 3: Cultural Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de l’Ambre

Start your day with expertly brewed coffee at this historic café, open from 8am.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum

Discover Tokyo’s history through detailed models and exhibits, open 9:30am-5:30pm. Closed Mondays.
JPY600, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Akihabara

Explore anime, electronics shops and enjoy lunch at a themed café like a Maid Café, open 11am-9pm.
JPY1500, 1.5h

2:00pm

Free time shopping in Ginza

Shop luxury brands and visit department stores, open 10am-8pm.
JPY0, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Sushi Zanmai Tsukiji

Enjoy fresh and affordable sushi, open 24 hours.
JPY3500, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 4: Day Trip Nikko

Nikko, Japan on July 2, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Nikko

Take the JR Tobu line from Tokyo to Nikko, approximately 2 hours journey.
JPY2800, 2h

9:30am

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Explore the lavishly decorated UNESCO World Heritage site, open 8am-5pm.
JPY1300, 2h

11:30am

Explore Shinkyo Bridge and surrounding nature

Walk the scenic sacred bridge and enjoy the beautiful forested area.
JPY0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Dine on traditional Japanese food with local flair near Nikko station, open 11am-3pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji

Nature excursion to one of Nikko’s most famous waterfalls and nearby lake, accessible by bus; open all day.
JPY1200, 3h

6:00pm

Return to Tokyo

Travel back to Tokyo for overnight rest.
JPY2800, 2h

8:30pm

Dinner near hotel

Enjoy a relaxing dinner at an izakaya close to your accommodation, open till 11pm.
JPY2500, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Nikko

Day 5: Hakone Scenic Escape

Hakone, Japan on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Hakone

Take the train from Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto, approximately 1.5 hours.
JPY2200, 1.5h

10:00am

Hakone Open Air Museum

View outdoor sculptures set against scenic mountains, open 9am-5pm.
JPY1600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Gora Brewery & Grill

Enjoy craft beers and seasonal dishes, open 11:30am-8pm.
JPY2000, 1h

2:00pm

Hakone Ropeway & Owakudani Valley

Ride the ropeway to the volcanic valley famous for hot springs and black eggs, operates 9am-5pm.
JPY1800, 2h

5:00pm

Relax in an Onsen

Soak in a traditional hot spring bath at your ryokan or public onsen, open till late evening.
JPY1500, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at your Ryokan

Savor kaiseki – multi-course traditional Japanese dinner prepared with local ingredients.
Included with stay, 2h
Find Hotels in Hakone

Day 6: Travel to Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 4, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast set at your accommodation before departure.
Included with stay, 1h

9:30am

Travel from Hakone to Kyoto by Shinkansen

Take the bullet train from Odawara to Kyoto for about 2 hours.
JPY14000, 2h

12:00pm

Check-in and Lunch at Nishiki Market

Freshen up at hotel then enjoy street food and local delicacies at the lively Nishiki Market, open till 6pm.
JPY1500, 1.5h

2:00pm

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage temple with panoramic views (open 6am-6pm).
JPY400, 2h

5:00pm

Walk through Gion District

Stroll the historic geisha district, perfect during early evening for atmosphere and photo ops.
JPY0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pontocho Alley

Dine on kaiseki or yakitori in a charming alleyway restaurant; many open till 10pm.
JPY3500, 2h
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 7: Historic Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Begin your day with classic Kyoto coffee and pastries, open from 7am.
JPY1000, 1h

9:30am

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine

Walk the iconic thousands of red torii gates, open 24 hours with free entry.
JPY0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ramen Sen no Kaze

Enjoy Kyoto-style rich miso ramen, open 11am-10pm.
JPY1200, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

See the stunning gold leaf pavilion set in beautiful gardens, open 9am-5pm.
JPY400, 1.5h

3:30pm

Visit Ryoan-ji Zen Rock Garden

Contemplate the famous dry rock garden, open 8am-5pm.
JPY500, 1h

5:00pm

Early dinner at Yudofu Sagano

Sample traditional tofu dishes near Arashiyama, open till 6pm.
JPY2500, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Kyoto

Day 8: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Nara

Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto, roughly 45 minutes.
JPY710, 45m

9:00am

Visit Todai-ji Temple

Home to the giant Buddha statue and impressive wooden architecture, open 7:30am-5:30pm.
JPY600, 2h

11:30am

Stroll Nara Park and feed the friendly deer

Enjoy an iconic experience walking among free-roaming sacred deer.
JPY200 for deer crackers, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kura Sushi Nara

Experience conveyor belt sushi with local varieties, open 11am-10pm.
JPY1500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Explore this beautifully lantern-lit shrine, open 6:30am-5pm.
JPY500, 1h

3:30pm

Return to Kyoto

Head back to Kyoto for the evening.
JPY710, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Izakaya Toyo

Enjoy a lively dining experience with grilled specialties, open till late.
JPY3000, 2h
Find Hotels in Nara

Day 9: Osaka Highlights

Osaka, Japan on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Osaka

Short train ride from Kyoto to Osaka, approx 30 min via JR Special Rapid Service.
JPY560, 30m

9:00am

Breakfast at Kuromon Ichiba Market

Delight in fresh seafood and street food in Osaka’s famous market, open from 9am.
JPY1500, 1h

10:30am

Visit Osaka Castle

Explore the historical castle and its museum. Open 9am-5pm.
JPY600, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dotonbori

Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki in lively Dotonbori area, open all day.
JPY1500, 1.5h

2:00pm

Visit Umeda Sky Building

Enjoy panoramic city views from the Floating Garden Observatory, open 10am-10:30pm.
JPY1500, 1.5h

4:00pm

Shopping at Shinsaibashi

Explore Osaka’s largest shopping arcade, open 10am-9pm.
JPY0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai

Savour deep-fried skewers in a casual setting, open until 11pm.
JPY2500, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Osaka

Day 10: Hiroshima and Peace

Hiroshima, Japan on July 8, 2025

7:00am

Shinkansen to Hiroshima

Early morning bullet train from Osaka to Hiroshima, approximately 1.5 hours.
JPY10000, 1.5h

9:00am

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum

Reflect on history with informative exhibits, park open 6am-6pm, museum 8:30am-6pm.
JPY200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Okonomimura

Sample Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at this popular food building, open 11am-9pm.
JPY1500, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Miyajima Island

Take ferry (open 6am-10pm) to explore Itsukushima Shrine and wild deer; shrine open 6am-6pm.
JPY1840 round trip ferry + JPY300 shrine entry, 4h

6:00pm

Return to Hiroshima

Return ferry to Hiroshima city and relax for the night.
Included, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Nagataya Okonomiyaki

Enjoy final dinner in Hiroshima with famous okonomiyaki, open till 10pm.
JPY2000, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Hiroshima

Day 11: Return to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before travel.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Shinkansen back to Tokyo

Fast bullet train journey approximately 4 hours.
JPY20000, 4h

2:00pm

Hotel check-in and rest

Refresh at your Tokyo hotel and relax.
JPY0, 1.5h

4:00pm

Visit Roppongi Hills and Mori Art Museum

Enjoy contemporary art and city views, museum open 10am-10pm.
JPY1800, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Narisawa

Experience innovative Japanese haute cuisine, open for dinner 6pm-10pm with reservation.
JPY25000, 2h
Find Hotels in Tokyo

Day 12: Last Day Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Relaxed breakfast to start last day in Tokyo.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Visit Imperial Palace East Gardens

Stroll the beautiful gardens open 9am-4:30pm, closed Mondays and Fridays.
JPY0, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Marunouchi Building

Enjoy a variety of restaurants with city views, open 11am-9pm.
JPY2000, 1.5h

2:00pm

Shopping at Odaiba

Visit futuristic shopping & entertainment complex, open till 9pm.
JPY0, 3h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Gonpachi Shibuya

Enjoy traditional dishes with lively atmosphere, open till 11pm.
JPY3500, 2h

9:00pm

Return to hotel and pack

Prepare for departure next day.
JPY0, 1h
Find Hotels in Tokyo
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About Japan

Best Japan Travel Deals
Travel Deals
Trip Packing List: Japan (Late February — early March 2026)
Packing List
Trip Packing List: Japan in June
Packing List
Japan Weather: A Year-Round Climate & Seasonal Guide
Weather Guide
Essential Japan Travel Guide: Visas, Safety, Costs, and Tips
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Japan Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go